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Thursday, 24 October 2013

Starlings

Can you spot the Starling
There are 20 in there somewhere.


I watched a flock of approximately 200 Starlings that descended on a group of Hawthorn trees. The trees had numerous bramble trails over them which were overloaded with blackberries.

Normally, who takes much notice of Starlings, perhaps when they flock and perform their aerial display later in the autumn at dusk.

Close inspection reveals a really colourful species. Most of those that I observed are already in their winter plumage which I think is more colourful than their summer.



There are 10 in the image below.






Traditionally according to folklore, blackberries should not be picked after Michaelmas (29 September).
The "old wives tale" may in reality have more to do with a mould named Grey Botrytis Cinerea which can form on the berry late in the season.






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27 comments:

  1. holdingmoments24 October 2013 at 08:55

    A very underrated and often overlooked bird in my opinion Roy.
    Noisy, brash and boisterous. Hooligans of the bird world; and I love 'em.

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    Replies
    1. Roy Norris25 October 2013 at 11:22

      Thanks Keith, yes they are real characters.{:))

      Delete
  2. Margaret Birding For Pleasure24 October 2013 at 09:00

    Hi Roy Starlings plumage are stunning at this time of the year and you shots show that. could get all your numbers but I am sure they were all there. Have you ever managed to get a video of them flying just before they roost? I would love to capture that. I would have to go to Belfast where that happens and I never really know the act time and then I think it might be too dark for my camera. We shall see,

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    Replies
    1. Roy Norris25 October 2013 at 11:24

      Thanks Margaret, no not managed that yet but there is a place about 10 mile away where they have performed in the past.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous24 October 2013 at 09:40

    O Roy wat is dit mooi zoveel spreeuwen tussen de bramen en bessen geweldige foto,s dit is super.

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  4. Guy24 October 2013 at 13:10

    Hi Roy

    You got some beautiful photos here, I always enjoy seeing the more common birds in a new light.

    Guy

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  5. grammie g24 October 2013 at 21:34

    Hey Roy..I got the 10 but only 18 on the other !!
    I always have thought the Starling has a amazing feathered patterned , and when the sun hit on them they shine, but if only they weren't so noisy, and eat up all the bird seeds!

    Your photos are wonderful of them showing there better side, and just how pretty they are !! Of course through some berries in there and wow they look even better !! : )

    Grace

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    Replies
    1. Roy Norris25 October 2013 at 11:28

      Thanks GG, there are 20, but not easy to find. I had the advantage of seeing the large photo on a 20.5 inch computer screen.{:))

      Delete
  6. Wendy24 October 2013 at 21:38

    Lovely photos of the Starlings. They're so full of character. I do miss seeing them here; I've only seen a few this year.

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  7. Marianne De Vogelkijker25 October 2013 at 16:46

    Hi Roy, I really like starlings, they are beautiful, funny and intelligent. Your pictures are gorgeous, the colours are great.

    Have a nice weekend!
    Marianne

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    Replies
    1. Roy Norris25 October 2013 at 20:55

      Thanks Marianne, they are certainly amusing to watch when they find food like this.

      Delete
  8. DeniseinVA25 October 2013 at 17:32

    That must have been a fascinating sight Roy, and brilliant photos always!

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  9. Kelly25 October 2013 at 18:17

    ...these photos really set off the white speckles of a winter starling! It's fun to watch a flock descend and decimate a berry tree. Looks like they were doing good work!

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    Replies
    1. Roy Norris25 October 2013 at 20:56

      Thanks Kelly, yes they had a good feed while I was there.{:))

      Delete
  10. Noushka26 October 2013 at 08:33

    Hello Roy!
    That is one f the species I can't get close enough to take pictures!
    It is indeed a starling... a stunning bird!!!
    Their plumage is exquisite when looked at closely!
    Well, I know where to go if I want to have a chance at "shooting" them!! ;-)
    Great series!

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    Replies
    1. Roy Norris26 October 2013 at 11:08

      Thanks Noushka. We have plenty here and when they come down to feed they don't take too much notice of your approach.

      Delete
  11. Anonymous26 October 2013 at 13:28

    Gorgeous photos - love starlings, but don't seem to see them much now. Hope you are having a good weekend ... :0)

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    Replies
    1. Roy Norris26 October 2013 at 13:50

      Hi Shirl, thanks, you don't get to see quite as many now as we use to and the ones we do see are in smaller groups. This lot of about 200 is the largest I have seen for a while.

      Delete
  12. Helena26 October 2013 at 14:50

    I think starlings are so funny. I get fledglings in the garden spring/early summer and they always cause such a fuss, argue with each other and try to eat everything.

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  13. Helma27 October 2013 at 19:56

    They always have those beautiful colors and sure as the sun shines.
    Gr. Helma

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  14. Neil Pope27 October 2013 at 22:00

    Roy, why am I the only bloke to answer this post, have you got something special ? Good shots well done mate

    ReplyDelete

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